16 Crusty Italian Herb Bread Recipe Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Mar 16, 2024
One of the simplest and most satisfying pleasures in life is the smell of freshly baked bread. And when it comes to crusty Italian herb bread, that aroma is taken to a whole new level. With its crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior, this bread is a crowd-pleaser that will elevate any meal. The best part? It's surprisingly easy to make at home. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your family and friends with this professional and delicious Italian herb bread recipe.
To achieve the perfect crust and texture, it's important to use the right type of flour. This recipe calls for bread flour, which has a higher protein content and creates a chewier and more structured bread. If you don't have bread flour on hand, you can substitute with all-purpose flour, but the results may not be as ideal.
Yeast
No bread can rise without yeast, and for this recipe, we recommend using active dry yeast. Make sure it's fresh and not expired to ensure your bread rises properly.
Italian Herbs
The star of this bread recipe is the blend of Italian herbs that give it its distinctive flavor. A combination of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary is used, but feel free to adjust the ratios to your liking.
Water and Salt
As with any bread recipe, you'll need water and salt to bring all the ingredients together and add flavor to the bread. Make sure to use room temperature water for the best results.
Instructions
Mix and Knead the Dough
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, yeast, Italian herbs, and salt. Slowly add in the water while stirring until a dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Rise and Shape the Dough
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour. Once it has doubled in size, punch it down and shape it into a round loaf. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Let it Rise Again and Bake
Cover the dough with the towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F. Before placing the bread in the oven, make shallow slashes on the top with a sharp knife. This will help the bread expand without cracking. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
Enjoy!
Once the bread is done baking, let it cool on a wire rack before slicing into it. Serve it alongside your favorite Italian dishes or simply enjoy it on its own with some olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This crusty Italian herb bread will surely become a staple in your home and impress anyone who takes a bite.
